SEPANG – The Youth and Sports Ministry, through the National Sports Institute (NSI), is committed to providing national footballer Faisal Halim with the support he needs to return to action, free of charge.
Speaking to the press after a memorandum of understanding signing ceremony between the ministry and Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), Hannah thanked police for their swift action in apprehending the suspects involved in the incident.
“I want Faisal to focus on his treatment and recovery and not to worry about when he can come back to football and competition.
“I want him to know that he is appreciated not only by the government but also by Malaysians who are praying for his swift recovery,” Hannah told reporters at Malaysia Airlines Bhd Academy here, today.
Also present was NSI chief executive officer Ahmad Faedzal Ramli who added that the institute has the expertise to aid the Selangor forward in his recovery.
“The NSI is the Asian Football Confederation’s centre of medical excellence, so our expertise in sports science and medicine also extends to football.
“We will create a structured and personalised programme for Faisal which covers physiotherapy, exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, psychology support and nutrition.
“We will structure all of these elements so he can return to football,” added Faedzal.
Hannah said she is keen to visit the nippy forward in the hospital but will consult the doctors in charge of treating Faisal before making the trip.
“If the doctors say give them space to do their jobs and let Faisal rest I think we need to respect that process.”
She also said that it will be up to the Charity Shield organiser, the curtain raiser to the new Super League season happening on Friday, if they plan to postpone the match between Selangor and Johor Darul Ta’zim.
“I read many unconfirmed news online. I believe it is important for the police investigation to continue and identify the true motive of the attack.
“If we don’t know the motive for sure, I’m worried it will happen to other people,” Hannah said.
Faisal was the victim of an acid attack while enjoying a family outing at a mall in Petaling Jaya on Sunday.
He suffered fourth-degree burns to his body as a result of the attack and had undergone surgery yesterday. – May 7, 2024